Statement of Major General Al Marri on the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Work Day

His Excellency, Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, General Director of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, said: “This is an unforgettable day in the history of the UAE that commemorates a leader who devoted his whole life to serving the nation, its citizens and residents. He is a leader who transformed humanity into a lifestyle and behaviour for many to follow. Zayed Humanitarian Work Day is the anniversary of the passing away of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founding father of the UAE.” Al Marri added: “Zayed Humanitarian Work Day falls on the 19th of Ramadan every year, to recognize and commemorate the role of His Highness in establishing a culture of humanitarian values in the UAE’s people. This year, in light of the unprecedented circumstances that the whole world is navigating as a result of the spread of the pandemic, the UAE has demonstrated Zayed’s legacy to the whole world. The late founding father left us a heritage and a way of living that teaches us to consolidate humanitarian efforts in the UAE and abroad, highlighting the value of giving, spreading awareness on the importance of charity, volunteering and aiding those in need. During this anniversary, UAE has proved to the world what it inherited from Sheikh Zayed. The humanitarian approach followed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and the Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council, and the Rulers of all the Emirates all reflect this legacy. Today, the UAE is a country known for its generosity towards its citizens and others, being always the first to provide charity and humanitarian aid to those in need. The world will never forget the massive evacuation of individuals and families of various nationalities residing at the epicentre of the pandemic - Wuhan, setting up of a new city called Zayed’s Humanitarian City, to ensure the health and safety of the evacuees. In addition, the UAE has undertaken countless local and global humanitarian initiatives in its pursuit to improve the lives of the afflicted societies, and to spread stability and peace. Al Marri added: “Zayed’s Humanitarian Work Day is an important national occasion for each Emirati, and we, as officials, must pass on this historical heritage to our generations in order to familiarize them with the memory of the leader of humanity, the later Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who instilled in his people the love of charity and benevolence to make our beloved country a global model in the field of humanitarian efforts.”